Enfield .410

[Howard]

I have a No.1 Mk.III that was converted to a .410 shotgun. I would like to know if there is any way to tell how many were converted? I have ask some other forums and gotten some information but not very much. I see these at gun shows at times but can get no information. I have learned about them being police riot guns but that is about it. Mine was converted in 1935 at RFI. Any information will be appreciated, thanks.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

There's been quite a lot written about these guns on this forum. To save it all being resurrected, might I suggest that you search the forum and see what comes up. I would do it for you but I'm a total computer illiterate

[Bruce_in_Oz]

There are Indian-made ones (SMLE style) that were originally chambered for a special Indian "shotgun" cartridge just a little smaller than "proper" .410. A LOT of these have been reamed out to take modern ammo.

In the "good-old-days" in Britain, especially before one needed a "licence" to have a shotgun, a LOT of rifles were "downgraded" by the Trade by simply boring out the rifling to leave the bore smooth. Supplementary treatment could include proper boring out to take the .410.

Lithgow made a substantial quantity of .410 shotguns on "spare" SMLE actions. The front-sight base was reversed and fitted with a small brass bead, rear sight deleted, mag. well filled with a wooden block and the charger guide removed. Fore-end wood abbreviated. No rear-sight.

Unsurprisingly, there is a MilSurps link, here.

[Howard]

Thank you for the replies, I did search the archives and find some comments. I did not even think of doing that before. DUH! Thanks again.

[newcastle]

BSA also made their 'Garden guns' up until the mid 1920s on enfield actions. I picked one up in gunbroker for about $200 6 months ago. Chamber needs to be cleaned before it will easily chambe. Modern .410 cartridge though but it's perfect for squirrels etc etc (or will be).
I have two of the ishapore No.1 410 shotguns but I am fairly convinced that both were made to that spec new in ishapore as opposed to converted. Both are chambered for 2 3/4" shells.

[Howard]

BSA also made their 'Garden guns' up until the mid 1920s on enfield actions. I picked one up in gunbroker for about $200 6 months ago. Chamber needs to be cleaned before it will easily chambe. Modern .410 cartridge though but it's perfect for squirrels etc etc (or will be).
I have two of the ishapore No.1 410 shotguns but I am fairly convinced that both were made to that spec new in ishapore as opposed to converted. Both are chambered for 2 3/4" shells.

The one I have has not been converted to modern .410. I believe it would have more collector value if not converted. I have seen some at gun shows he in Eastern NC the asking price was in the 4 to 6 hundred dollars range. I paid 200.00 for mine at a flea market. It was a NO.1 Mk.III* 1917.

[Baal]

Newcastle, why do you think yours were purpose built as 410s and not converted?

I've had two. I purchased a1913 LSA from Brian several years back that had been reamed out for modern 3" shells. And I've got a 1916 BSA that still has its original 410 chambering.